Viniou Reviews
Smith Haut Lafitte’s Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2020 comes from the celebrated Pessac-Léognan AOC, within the Graves sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This cuvée is the château’s second wine, crafted with great care from a blend of classic Bordeaux grapes—predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with possible touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, drawn from the estate’s sustainably farmed vineyards. The 2020 vintage is marked by its concentration and balance, thanks in part to a warm, dry growing season which produced beautifully ripe fruit, while maintaining the estate’s hallmark freshness. Vinification is traditional, with fermentation in stainless steel and aging in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are second-fill to preserve fruit purity yet impart subtle toasty and spicy notes.
The Pessac-Léognan appellation boasts a unique terroir of deep gravel soils over a sublayer of clay, giving the wines structure, elegance, and a distinct mineral signature. The region enjoys a moderate maritime climate influenced by the Atlantic, tempered by the surrounding Landes forest, which protects the vines from excessive winds and dramatically shifting temperatures. Pessac-Léognan is lauded for its long history—these are some of the very oldest vineyard sites within Bordeaux, with a tradition of complex, ageworthy wines.
Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte 2020 displays aromas of ripe blackcurrant, crushed blackberry, violet, and just a hint of graphite and cedar. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, generous and finely textured, with refined tannins and a lingering, fresh finish. This wine will pair beautifully with grilled duck breast, roast lamb with herbs, or classic Bordeaux dishes like entrecôte à la bordelaise. For a vegetarian option, try it with a mushroom risotto or lentil stew.
For optimum enjoyment, serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour before serving will allow its bouquet to fully open and its tannins to soften, revealing greater depth and aromatic complexity. While already approachable, a few years in cellar will further enhance its elegance.
